Is Your Chimney Ready for Fall? A Michigan Homeowner’s Checklist

Fall in Michigan arrives fast. One day you’re grilling in the backyard, and the next you’re reaching for a sweater and eyeing the fireplace. Before you light that first fire of the season, take a few minutes to make sure your chimney and fireplace are ready. A little bit of preparation goes a long way in preventing costly repairs and it can keep your family safe.

Here is a simple checklist that every Michigan homeowner should run through before fireplace season kicks off:

Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection

The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual chimney inspection, and fall is the perfect time. A certified chimney professional will check for cracks, blockages, animal nests, and creosote buildup, all of which can create fire hazards or reduce efficiency.

Get Your Chimney Swept if Needed

If you burned wood last season, there’s a strong chance that creosote, a flammable byproduct of combustion, may have built up in your flue. A professional sweep can remove creosote before it becomes a problem.

Check Your Damper

Open and close your damper to make sure it moves freely and seals properly. A stuck or broken damper lets cold air pour into your home all winter, which can add up on your heating bill.

Look for Cracks in the Firebox and Mortar

Shine a flashlight into your firebox and look for cracks in the firebrick or mortar joints. Small cracks can worsen quickly under the heat of a fire. When in doubt, have a professional take a look.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This is a good habit to have regardless of your fireplace situation. Replace the batteries, test the alarm, and confirm that the detectors are within their recommended replacement window.

Check Your Wood Supply

If you burn wood, make sure you have seasoned firewood. Seasoned firewood is defined as wood having been dried for at least six months. Green or wet wood burns inefficiently, produces more smoke, and can accelerate creosote buildup.

Consider Upgrading Your Fireplace Insert

If your fireplace has been drafty, inefficient, or just not performing the way it used to, the fall season is the ideal time to explore a fireplace insert. Inserts dramatically improve efficiency and can cut your heating costs significantly.

At Creekside Hearth, we offer chimney sweep and inspection services, as well as a full line of fireplace inserts and accessories. 
Don’t wait until the first chilly day to find out if there’s a problem. Schedule your chimney service or browse our insert options today.